Queensland Artist Faces Police Investigation Over Artworks Allegedly Violating New Hate Speech Laws
Brisbane-based visual artist James Hillier, who creates under the name Nordacious, has been contacted by Queensland police regarding artworks that allegedly violate the state's recently implemented hate speech legislation. The artist was informed he could potentially face jail time for some of his designs created in support of Palestinian liberation.
Police Contact and Artwork Removal
Hillier received a call from Queensland police on March 25, approximately two weeks after Queensland became the first Australian state to outlaw the slogans "from the river to the sea" and "globalise the intifada." These phrases are commonly used to express solidarity with Palestine but have become controversial under the new legislation.
The artist immediately removed three artworks from his website following the police contact, though he noted that police didn't identify specific pieces during their initial communication. Hillier stated that only one of his works "even came close" to incorporating the full "from the river to the sea" phrase.
The Controversial Legislation
The Crisafulli government's hate speech laws, which took effect in March, make expressing or publishing the prohibited slogans punishable by up to two years in prison if doing so would "menace, harass or offend." The legislation represents one of Australia's most significant restrictions on political expression in recent years.
The phrase "from the river to the sea" references the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, while "globalise the intifada" uses an Arabic term meaning uprising or "shaking off." These phrases have different interpretations within various communities, with some Jewish groups viewing them as calls to violence while Palestinian supporters see them as expressions of resistance against oppression.
Specific Artworks Under Scrutiny
One of the removed artworks depicts a woman with "from the river to the sea" printed on her singlet, based on a photo of the first person arrested under Queensland's new laws. Another piece shows Premier David Crisafulli pressing his finger on a map of Queensland with the text: "From Brisbane River, to Moreton Bay: I'll decide what you can say."
A third removed artwork features Australian singer John Farnham with a watermelon cocktail beside the words "River to the Sea," playing on lyrics from his 1990s hit "Two Strong Hearts." Hillier created these works before the legislation passed, intending them as political commentary on unfolding events.
Legal Uncertainty and Artistic Expression
Hillier expressed concern about the legislation's vagueness, noting that it applies not only to the specific banned phrases but also to "similar words and similar phrases that could be interpreted as being connected." He has sought legal advice while continuing his artistic practice.
"I want to continue being someone who unwaveringly advocates for Palestine, while at the same time treading very cautiously in this very precarious legal context," Hillier stated. "I think it's a deeply sad place for Australia, for our democracy. Art's always been the place that political truths can be shared."
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Queensland police confirmed they are investigating a complaint regarding "prohibited expressions featured on artwork displayed online" and that the matter remains ongoing. Authorities have also become aware of a mural in south Brisbane with similar imagery that they are investigating separately.
A police spokesperson emphasized: "The QPS strongly condemn anyone who incites hatred within our community – there is no place for it. QPS supports legislation which prioritises community safety."
Hillier believes the matter has been resolved through his cooperation in removing the artworks, but continues to seek legal clarification regarding the boundaries of the new legislation and its impact on artistic expression in Queensland.
